We will entertain, says boss

FOOTBALL:

ROYTON Town boss Phil Haigh insists his side will continue to play “the right way”, regardless of results.

Town take their stylish brand of football to Crompton Cricket Club tomorrow for the Bridgewater Office Supplies Manchester League Gilgryst Cup semi-final against Wythenshawe Amateurs (1.30pm kick-off).

And Haigh hopes his lads can pass their way into a final against Walshaw Sports.

He said: “We are the best footballing side in the Manchester League, although that doesn’t automatically win silverware.

“It is easy to lose sight of the fact that football is about entertainment.

“It will be tough against Wythenshawe Amateurs. It is a clash of styles because they are a big, physical side.

“We have beaten them twice in the league this season, but the form book goes out of the window in any cup competition.”

Haigh is without vice-captain Carl Dean for the semi-final. The sweeper is suffering from a knee injury.




SPRINGHEAD eased their relegation worries courtesy of a 3-1 win over neighbours Hollinwood in the Bridgewater Office Supplies Manchester League Premier Division.



The breakthrough came after 25 minutes. Richard Ferguson whipped in a corner which went straight into the net.

But battling Hollinwood hit back just 60 seconds later through a Gary Brooks penalty.

Springhead were back in the lead just before the break, Gareth Shaw netting from close range.

The home team’s third goal came with 20 minutes left.

Mark Hopwood fed fellow substitute Adam Young, who produced a neat finish.

Royton Town earned a 1-1 draw at Walshaw Sports, despite finishing the match with nine men.

The hosts took the lead after half-an-hour via a free-kick.

Boss Phil Haigh was sent from the touchline due to his protests, while Jamie Peers and Jason Titterington were booked for dissent.

And a late challenge resulted in a second yellow card for Titterington, who was dismissed.

Town tried to regroup, but matters worsened when Wayne Dean was booked twice in a matter of minutes for late tackles, and subsequently shown a red card.

Undaunted, Haigh’s men equalised after 80 minutes through a Chris MacKay free-kick.

With time running out Walshaw had a player sent off for catching skipper Michael Moss in the face with his arm.

Avro’s title bid stuttered again after a 1-0 defeat at Stockport Georgians.